EKU To Offer Beer Sales

[footballfanatic77]

Since UK plays EKU, I thought some might find this interesting. I've never understood the rationale behind not selling beer at games. Tailgating promotes binge drinking so it seems like it may actually reduce a little of that, bring in more revenue, and encourage fans to come to games instead of watching from home. As more schools are trending this direction, I wouldn't be surprised if most SEC schools don't follow suit in the future.

http://www.ekusports.com/news/2015/8/21/FOOTBALL_0821150822.aspx

 

[C1180]

Just for the players. Its a new recruiting tool since they are wanting to go big timer football. They gave UofL as their role model.

 

[BigBluePhantom]

It really is a no-brainer. Thousands of dollars worth of beer are consumed in the parking lots around Commonwealth every home game and the university gets nothing for it. Sell beer, wine and liquor inside and outside of the stadium and use that money for the next expansion project.

 

[footballfanatic77]

I agree and I can't even count how many times I would watch people downing beers at SEC games so that they wouldn't "lose their buzz" when they actually went into the stadium. That usually led to excessive drunkenness and stupidity; the behavior at NFL stadiums is much tamer because people aren't getting belligerent in the parking lot before they go in.

I've always enjoyed football too much to want to get drunk at a game, but I can't think of anything better than to sip a beer while watching a game. I usually reserve getting drunk for celebrating a big upset win or a big disappointing loss.

 

[redleg27]

This is an initiative to keep their team from getting drunk in bars.

 

[Bigblueforever]

Just for the players. Its a new recruiting tool since they are wanting to go big timer football. They gave UofL as their role model.

Beer & Louisville as a role model for EKU is a disgrace to Human race.

 

[dorkmeister]

We should use our clout to have alcohol sales banned at all collegiate events. If UK used their muscle then could get laws passed that would be enforced across the state. Alcohol sales have no place at a collegiate event.

 

[jauk11]

Just for the players. Its a new recruiting tool since they are wanting to go big timer football. They gave UofL as their role model.

Are they going to limit it to the fans or can the players drink also? If so most of UL's players may transfer-----again.

Nah, the UL players probably have something better going on.

 

[vhcat70]

We should use our clout to have alcohol sales banned at all collegiate events. If UK used their muscle then could get laws passed that would be enforced across the state. Alcohol sales have no place at a collegiate event.

What do you think UK is selling in the new club section? You'd fit right in with Prohibition.

 

[footballfanatic77]

I've never understood that logic. Alcohol is going to be at collegiate events. The only question is who gets the profits from it and how is it going to be regulated? I think it's a good idea to sell beer in stadiums.

 

[RS73CAT]

I love bourbon, and craft beers. Drink 2 to 3 nights weekly. Alcohol sales will not reduce the drinking before the game. Some will slam more down to keep from paying 7 bucks for 12 oz in the stadium. Some game I take a couple of shots in the stadium, but for the most part I don't. Went to, 2 UK- ul games. Horrible experience. Drunks everywhere. One ul long time season ticket holder, who is a friend of mine, gave up his tickets, because you can't enjoy the game. I know this isn't stadium wide, but people pay good money to watch the game, not to listen to some drunk loudmouth, scream obscenities at the coaches, and players. Hope they never allow alcohol sales.

 

[footballfanatic77]

I have been to NFL games for the Bengals, for the Titans and for the 49ers; I've never seen the level of drunkenness at their stadiums that I've seen at college venues so I'm not sure I buy the argument that alcohol sales mean more drunk people or drunker drunk people.

 

[Vonburns1]

Tell the EKU AD to bring their beer license with him to our stadium and a trailer load of Bud. He'll take home twice as much money that way.

 

[vhcat70]

I have been to NFL games for the Bengals, for the Titans and for the 49ers; I've never seen the level of drunkenness at their stadiums that I've seen at college venues so I'm not sure I buy the argument that alcohol sales mean more drunk people or drunker drunk people.

Consider the difference in average maturity level.

 

[Chuckinden]

I've never understood that logic. Alcohol is going to be at collegiate events. The only question is who gets the profits from it and how is it going to be regulated? I think it's a good idea to sell beer in stadiums.

China isn't going to stop doing it, so we should too.

 

[UKYcat1865]

Limit amount of beer one can buy in stadium to help with drunkeness. Would be easy to do--make everyone that wants beer show ID to get 2 or 3 beer vouchers or just have ticket punched with each one purchased. Pull the taps/bottles at start of 4th quarter to make people break before exiting.

 

[footballfanatic77]

The arguments against alcohol in stadiums are just too reminiscent of arguments against cities going wet. People argued that dry counties were safer from drunk driving and all the negative effects of drinking when, in fact, the reality and empirical evidence was contrary to those assertions.

 

[NCukcat62]

We should use our clout to have alcohol sales banned at all collegiate events. If UK used their muscle then could get laws passed that would be enforced across the state. Alcohol sales have no place at a collegiate event.

That's asinine.

 

[kats23]

Think it's a great idea. EKU is trying everything they can to raise revenue to get a D1A bid and this is a good step in the right direction.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

The arguments against alcohol in stadiums are just too reminiscent of arguments against cities going wet. People argued that dry counties were safer from drunk driving and all the negative effects of drinking when, in fact, the reality and empirical evidence was contrary to those assertions.

I am no longer a drinker, but I don't have any issues with people who do other than when they think they aren't affected when driving. But as a revenue producer it would be a big boost especially early in the season, that's the biggest plus. The down side is liability issues, whoever the servers are would need to be able to identify people who didn't need another, because most will also be hitting the roads soon. Maybe stop serving at halftime would be a compromise, but 40k people who can't pass a breath test leaving at the same time can't be a good idea.

 

[kats23]

I am no longer a drinker, but I don't have any issues with people who do other than when they think they aren't affected when driving. But as a revenue producer it would be a big boost especially early in the season, that's the biggest plus. The down side is liability issues, whoever the servers are would need to be able to identify people who didn't need another, because most will also be hitting the roads soon. Maybe stop serving at halftime would be a compromise, but 40k people who can't pass a breath test leaving at the same time can't be a good idea.

I see your point but I would argue with the prices of beer how drunk and how many are going to get plastered to drive. At 7 dollars a pop, that's not going to stop people from drinking less at tailgate or sneaking in their own. I'm sure they would stop beer sales in the 3rd Q to help sober up people, but to say 40K all being drunk leaving the stadium at the same time is laughable. It's a no brainer to me for the SEC to change their mind on this. You might as well make some extra cash if you can.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

I see your point but I would argue with the prices of beer how drunk and how many are going to get plastered to drive. At 7 dollars a pop, that's not going to stop people from drinking less at tailgate or sneaking in their own. I'm sure they would stop beer sales in the 3rd Q to help sober up people, but to say 40K all being drunk leaving the stadium at the same time is laughable. It's a no brainer to me for the SEC to change their mind on this. You might as well make some extra cash if you can.

Never said 40k would be falling down drunk, said not being able to pass a breath test. But you are right, people are going to drink at the games regardless of where it comes from, but the university selling puts them in the liability chain and I am not sure that risk is worth the reward it would bring in.

 

[meteordealer]

I find it ironic that they announced the addition of beer and wine sales at the same time they announced a ban on smoking on EKU campus.

I guess one bad habit is good enough for them, as long as they're making money from it.

 

[greginky1957]

All this discussion about alcohol sales at EKU, but isn't there an SEC rule against it?

 

[MojoYamamoto]

I don't really care whether they sell beer at the games or not. For my personal preference, I prefer that there would be no alcohol at the UK games. Because from my point of view, the least enjoyable part of the game day experience is dealing with all the people who have been drinking. I go to enjoy the football. Too many people use it as an excuse to get plastered. If you need a buzz to enjoy watching your favorite team, you might have a bit of a problem. The whole drinking and driving is a huge problem to begin with and it only gets amplified on game days.

 

[Cats78]

We should use our clout to have alcohol sales banned at all collegiate events. If UK used their muscle then could get laws passed that would be enforced across the state. Alcohol sales have no place at a collegiate event.

For the love of God how long will we let this troll post here?

 

[kats23]

Never said 40k would be falling down drunk, said not being able to pass a breath test. But you are right, people are going to drink at the games regardless of where it comes from, but the university selling puts them in the liability chain and I am not sure that risk is worth the reward it would bring in.

So many preventative measures can and are in place for sporting events and alcohol sales so liability does not fall to the team hosting the events. From prices of beer, offering cab phone numbers or even free cab rides, to stopping sales at a designated time frame. From an SEC standpoint, it would be crazy not to change their standpoint. While I don't need beer to enjoy a sporting event, I will always get a beer or 2 when I go to ballgames and obviously I tailgate before UK games. That's where the money will come from. The causal drinker.

 

[Chuckinden]

I just think the atmosphere is much better without it, especially with kids at the games.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

So many preventative measures can and are in place for sporting events and alcohol sales so liability does not fall to the team hosting the events. From prices of beer, offering cab phone numbers or even free cab rides, to stopping sales at a designated time frame. From an SEC standpoint, it would be crazy not to change their standpoint. While I don't need beer to enjoy a sporting event, I will always get a beer or 2 when I go to ballgames and obviously I tailgate before UK games. That's where the money will come from. The causal drinker.

Maybe liability doesn't but in Georgia overserving falls directly back to the establishment providing/selling, Sell it at the stadium, but outsource or bid the concession to a private vender, I just don't feel the amount of revenue that will be produced is worth the possible liability from something unfortunate happening. I also have mixed emotions about schools being in the alcohol selling business, and yes I know UGA's biggest booster is in the alcohol selling business, but not on campus.

 

[kats23]

Maybe liability doesn't but in Georgia overserving falls directly back to the establishment providing/selling, Sell it at the stadium, but outsource or bid the concession to a private vender, I just don't feel the amount of revenue that will be produced is worth the possible liability from something unfortunate happening. I also have mixed emotions about schools being in the alcohol selling business, and yes I know UGA's biggest booster is in the alcohol selling business, but not on campus.

I'll agree with you that from a PR standpoint, if something bad was to happen, even fights in the stadium to DUI arrests going up around the stadium or even something worse, it would be a black eye for the SEC. Maybe that's why they have never done it. It will be interesting to see how it goes for EKU and compare the numbers to the risk. It has helped UL become more profitable too.

 

[fuzz77]

The arguments against alcohol in stadiums are just too reminiscent of arguments against cities going wet. People argued that dry counties were safer from drunk driving and all the negative effects of drinking when, in fact, the reality and empirical evidence was contrary to those assertions.

The question isn't if alcohol will be in/around the stadium...it's if you're partly responsible for it being there. Just like parents of high school teens who provide their kids and often others alcohol because..."they'll get it somewhere so I'd rather them get it from me..." kind of reasoning.
If you take a stand of discouraging a behavior then it's hypocritical to have a part in enabling that behavior.
I'm not particularly against stadium alcohol sales but I perfectly understand the reasoning against it.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

I'll agree with you that from a PR standpoint, if something bad was to happen, even fights in the stadium to DUI arrests going up around the stadium or even something worse, it would be a black eye for the SEC. Maybe that's why they have never done it. It will be interesting to see how it goes for EKU and compare the numbers to the risk. It has helped UL become more profitable too.

I am not a prude by any stretch, during my college days I would have been behind it 100%, hell even selling shots would have been great. But schools are getting a nice payoff from the SEC network, building new facilities, renovating stadiums without it. like I said earlier if people feel there is a need to sell in the stadium, bid it out, distance themself from any chance of liability for fights, falling over rails. Iike you said, I think its an bad PR move for a school to be selling alcohol, especially when there isn't a need.

In terms of financial need UK and EKU aren't close. UK gets SEC money, EKU is willing to take a couple butt kickings a year for a million dollars. UK's recruiting budget probably rivals EKU's football budget. It's apples to oranges. But its everyone's own choice, everyone has an opinion and they all aren't the same, I just rather make the money from an overpriced T-shirt.

 

[BoulderCat]

Both CU and CSU used to, but no longer do. CU does sell both beer and liquor outside the stadium before the game. Actually it's the alumni association I believe that does it so the workers are volunteer's. You have to buy a ticket(s), and then give it to the person serving. Two is the limit, and once your stamped they won't sale you any more tickets.

 

[footballfanatic77]

Never said 40k would be falling down drunk, said not being able to pass a breath test. But you are right, people are going to drink at the games regardless of where it comes from, but the university selling puts them in the liability chain and I am not sure that risk is worth the reward it would bring in.

Legally speaking the university could be liable anyway if they set up places for people to drink and don't do anything to discourage that behavior. It's always a fine line, but I think the liability issues are manageable.

 

[UKYcat1865]

NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA all sell alcohol at games. Pretty sure everybody that drinks at those games isn't an alcoholic like someone suggested.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA all sell alcohol at games. Pretty sure everybody that drinks at those games isn't an alcoholic like someone suggested.

The difference I see in those, even thought they want tax payers to pay for their facilities, is that they are private enterprises for profit, not institutions of higher learning. Maybe I am looking at this too deep, but colleges are trying to curb binge drinking, and not that it would happen inside the stadium, but then trying to make a buck off of it when there isn't a real need for that extra buck.

 

[UKYcat1865]

The difference I see in those, even thought they want tax payers to pay for their facilities, is that they are private enterprises for profit, not institutions of higher learning. Maybe I am looking at this too deep, but colleges are trying to curb binge drinking, and not that it would happen inside the stadium, but then trying to make a buck off of it when there isn't a real need for that extra buck.

Understand your view but wasn't my point.

 

[footballfanatic77]

Though inconclusive, evidence may suggest that not selling alcohol leads to more binge drinking not less. If you really want to reduce binge drinking, ban tailgating.

http://freakonomics.com/2012/09/06/...public-drunkenness-a-new-marketplace-podcast/

 

[Bigblueforever]

I find it ironic that they announced the addition of beer and wine sales at the same time they announced a ban on smoking on EKU campus.

I guess one bad habit is good enough for them, as long as they're making money from it.

They will make a lot of money on Beer & Wine & no money on Smoking.

 

[footballfanatic77]

The campus in Richmond is already dry and will remain so with the exception of the stadium and the tailgating area. As far as I am aware UK's campus is entirely smoke-free already.